Wester Auchraw Croft B&B

Melanie was such a warm, welcoming host from the moment she arrived, and a lot of fun to talk with. She’s eccentric in the best way, and our conversations with her were wonderful and interesting. I left feeling peaceful and well rested, with the lovely bed and linens helping too. The Croft is a stunning property, with decor and attention to detail that felt just right. Its quiet location was exactly what we wanted, and we had a lovely dinner at the hotel down the road. Killin is not far away, and there are interesting places to visit nearby, including Finalrig Castle and an ancient stone circle. Melanie made us an exceptional breakfast in the morning. My partner and I had booked an impromptu night away and had the best time. I wouldn’t hesitate to book the Croft again, especially because of Melanie. 10/10 perfect night away!

I had to cancel my booking after she told me she didn’t want the responsibility of accommodating my partner’s celiac needs. This was disappointing because the place is advertised as a holistic retreat offering vegan and gluten-free food. It feels at odds with the wellbeing and health ethos, and exclusionary toward people with dietary needs.

We had a magical night in the year, falling asleep to the sound of a roaring log fire. Melanie hosted a wonderful breakfast in the morning, and we ended up having deep, lovely conversations with a group of strangers. It was an amazing overnight stay, and we wished we could have stayed longer. We’ll definitely be back.

Booking a reiki session with the accommodation was a highlight. Melanie, a spiritual instructor and guide, was very attentive to what I needed and gave me a nurturing experience. She also made a lovely breakfast each day, not the usual B&B fry-up, and was interested in getting to know us. Her perspective is distinctive, and we enjoyed hearing about her experiences, views and practices. Wester Auchraw B&B is a truly unusual stay, and Melanie has made a beautiful home that we appreciated her sharing with us. A few practical details could have improved the visit: hooks for coats and towels, a boot tray to help keep the home clean, advance information on breakfast choices and timings so we could plan, and a covering for the west-facing window for privacy.